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Dinner with Friends (Hansel, Ridge, Jaffurs)

Willoughby, Ohio

Tasted April 9, 2017 by Loren Sonkin with 271 views

Introduction

Jane and I met our friends for dinner at one of our favorite casual Italian restaurants that allows BYO. A casual evening where the wine needs to be good, but alos needs to take a back seat to the conversation. We both pulled some bottles from the cellar. The Ridge was decanted at the beginning of the meal and consumed an a half hour later. The other two were pop and pour.

Flight 1 (3 notes)

White
2014 Walter Hansel Winery Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
91 points
For those who like oak, they may like this more than I. I know it got high Parker points on release. I have another bottle that I will wait on. That said, it is by no means an oak monster (as Gary V would say). Golden in color, pretty deep. The nose has pineapple, vanilla, spice and grapefruit. On the palate, the attack is all about tropical fruit, then waves of vanilla come crashing in. No fresh cut lumber, but the vanilla really gets strong on the end. At the same time, there is good acidity and a lot of fruit, so I have hopes it will come more to my style with age. As I said though, a lot of people would LOVE this right now.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2009 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Estate USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
93 points
This was really good. Young but in a great place and just starting to show some real development. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, cigar tobacco, spice and hints of roasted thyme. On the palate, showing some layering as it comes into focus. Deep. Delicious. Still moderate tannins. Nice balance and finish. Went well with food. One of those wines that grabs your attention on the first sip.
Red
2008 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
94 points
Still young and I am glad to have one more bottle. I should have given it some air. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, roasted meats, slight black pepper and slight char. On the palate, this is deep but still full of fruit. Not much layering or age showing. Delicious without being over the top though. Black raspberry fruit, slight blueberries. Juicy acidity. Long finish. Delicious right now. A couple of points of upside though to holding it.
1 person found this helpful Comment

Closing

Good wine and food, great conversations and friendship. Perfect.

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